Communication Symbols

Summary: Identification of Communication Symbols used in Electrical Construction for understanding Blueprints and Electrical Drawings.

Communication Symbols for Home Electrical Wiring

This list of communication symbols will help you to identify these devices on the electrical blueprint or wiring diagram layout.

When performing any electrical wiring for any of these communication devices, you will be able to identify the type and location of the various devices from this list of communication symbols.

The listing includes a description of the commonly used devices that are represented by these communication symbols.

This listing of communication symbols and devices includes 120 volt, low voltage, alarm and signal devices.

Wiring Diagram Symbols for Signals and Communications

Smoke Detector
The smoke detector symbol describes a device that is used to detect smoke and sound an alarm. Smoke detectors are commonly found in habitable rooms such as bedrooms, hallways and stairways.

Telecom Outlets
The telecom symbol refers to an outlet that is used for devices such as a telephone computer data connection.

Stereo Outlet
The stereo outlet symbol typically refers to an outlet where audio connections are provided to connect to a centrally located stereo music or audio unit.

Television Outlet
The television symbol refers to a TV jack which may be connected to an external TV antenna or to a centrally located TV coax splitter which connects to a video system or a source for a Cable TV service provider.

Doorbell Button
The doorbell button symbol refers to one or more entry locations to the home, and is typically found at the main front entry door of the home.

Doorbell Chime
The doorbell chime symbol refers to the location inside the home where the door bell chime is located and is typically found mounted high on an interior wall.

Doorbell Transformer
The doorbell transformer symbol refers to the low voltage transformer or power supply which provides the voltage for the door bell system of the home. the door bell transformer is typically located in the main entry closet.

Thermostat
The thermostat symbol refers to the device that is used to regulate the temperature of the home and is typically located in the hallway near the bedrooms about five feet high on the wall.

Electrical Tip

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wiring!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester, [amazon.com], I use for the detection of Standard Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

Designing a Home Electrical Wiring Plan and Circuits

Electrical Project Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Best performed by a Licensed Architect Electrical Tools Required:
Drafting Supplies, a Well Lighted Drafting Table, Mechanical Pencil, Scaled Ruler, Electrical Symbols Template, Drafting Paper and Soft Eraser or Electrical Circuit Design Software or Computer Aided Design CAD Software.
Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to produce drawings or draw scaled drawings or work with CAD Design Software.Electrical Safety:
Planning the Electrical Devices and Mechanical Equipment is essential to properly size the Home Electrical Service Panel and Sub Panels. Electrical Symbols must be used to identify the proposed circuit or electrical equipment or device.
Residential Electrical Parts and Materials:
Electrical parts and materials for home wiring projects should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections:
Home Electrical Circuit Designs must be made in compliance with all Applicable Local and National Electrical Codes and Electrical Plans must be submitted to the appropriate building department or agency for approval as required for the specific project.

120 Volt Circuits

240 Volt Circuits

Electrical Panels

Electrical Codes

Home Wiring Book

»How To Wire It RIGHT!«Wire it with Confidence!Fully IllustratedInstant DownloadNow You CanWire it like a Pro!

Recent Testimonials
I think your site offers the the clearest and best electrical information for homeowners I have ever seen on the net.You have given me confidence to do my own projects which I never had before. THANK YOU!
Paul, from Foxboro, Massachusetts

I wish I found this site earlier, it is by far the best electrical related resource I have found on the web.
George, from Scranton, Pennsylvania

I love this site for an office worker that does not know anything about electric wiring.
Bill, from New York City, New York

This site is so much better than the 3 books I just bought, I wish I came here first.
Collin, from Grand Rapids, Michigan

Thank you for answering my question.
I was able to get this done. This site is perfect. I am glad I found it. Please keep it going.
Mike, from Chicago, Illinois